# Port Townsend Paper Company environmental violations

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/port-townsend-paper-company-environmental-violations
> Updated: 2026-10-20T08:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Port Townsend Paper Company has faced ongoing regulatory scrutiny from the Washington Department of Ecology regarding wastewater management. In late 2025, the company was issued a notice of violation for two unauthorized discharges into Port Townsend Bay: a 600-gallon overflow caused by pump failures during a power outage, and a second discharge involving thick sludge caused by a hole in a collection box.

By September 2026, the company faced a $734,000 fine for improper wastewater treatment operations. This penalty followed a history of five water quality violations since 2021, including issues with aeration systems, sludge buildup, and two corrosive black liquor spills in April 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Washington state issues violation notice to Port Townsend Paper Company

The Washington Department of Ecology issued a violation notice to Port Townsend Paper Company for two unauthorized wastewater discharges in late 2025.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-state-issues-violation-notice-to-port-townsend-paper-company

### 2026-09-30: Port Townsend Paper Company faces fines and new safety regulation proposals

Port Townsend Paper Company has been fined $734,000 for wastewater violations, while new Washington state legislation aims to mandate stricter inspections for paper mill chemical tanks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-townsend-paper-company-faces-fines-and-new-safety-regulation-proposals

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Cite as: Port Townsend Paper Company environmental violations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/port-townsend-paper-company-environmental-violations